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Spring 2019 WitteringThe official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force View

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 1 Features: Special Award For Wittering's STEM Team • History In The Making • Moving Scenes AT JARTS

SECTION HEADING TITLE OF ARTICLE Editor Welcome to the Spring edition and my first as Editor. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to take over Foreword from Owen Newman After a restful and unseasonably mild festive break, in overseeing the production RAF Wittering and the A4 Force were quickly back of our fantastic station magazine. The Wittering View team would like to pass on their congratulations on into the thick of operations and exercises. his promotion to and wish him all the very best in his The first quarter of this year Squadrons of 501 (County of the RAF, and Warrant Officer new posting. will see large deployments to Gloucester), 504 (County of Sweeney Jarvis, also of 504 Sqn, We leave behind an Estonia in support of NATO’s Nottingham) and 605 (County was awarded the Inspector’s extraordinarily busy year for RAF Baltic air-policing mission, the of Warwick) under a single wing Shield for his outstanding Wittering, given our significant Typhoon Force’s Capability commander. This change in commitment to developing the contributions to both RAF 100 and Evaluation at RAF Leeming, command structures will align Chef trade across the RAuxAF. a busy programme of exercises Exercise RED FLAG in North the way we recruit, train and Additionally, 605 Sqn won the and operations. The New Year America and Exercise JOINT employ Part-Time Volunteer Kemp Dirk Trophy for achieving is normally a slow start as many VENTURE in Germany, that is Reserves and improve the the best recruitment and of us struggle to get back up to in addition to our continued sharing of good practice. retention figures in the RAuxAF. speed after the long break, but the presence on Operations in That is not to say that With three out of six RAuxAF station is a hive of activity, with the Middle East, Afghanistan, our RAuxAF squadrons are trophies won by our Squadrons reconfigurations in our Wings, new Central Africa and the not performing, indeed the we have every reason to be command and control structures Falkland Islands. RAF Wittering opposite is true. RAF Wittering’s proud of the achievements of for our Reserves, and evidence from genuinely has an enduring 504 Sqn has been awarded the our Reserves colleagues. 16 Squadron that we are a station global presence. RAuxAF Inspector’s Trophy for that reaches for the stars (see story It has also been a their sustained contribution to Gp Capt Tony Keeling on page 8)! challenging time for our Our Science Technology resident flying squadrons, Engineering and Maths (STEM) working hard to keep pace Team continue to inspire and with the demands to provide encourage young people into STEM elementary flying training subjects and enthuse the next to our young officers, and generation of engineers (page 6), air experience flights to Air while the spotlight on the Heritage Cadets and members of the Centre reminds us of the legacy University Air Squadrons. While of those who have gone before us our friends from Amey work (page 14). hard to keep the Station roads Community wise, there is free from snow and ice, we are a poignant reminder from the not scaled for a similar service RAF Benevolent Fund that our on our airfield. This lack of communities can face relationship ‘Blacktop’ provision means difficulties, loneliness, downturns that the airfield is frequently in mental health and social unable to open during periods isolation in response to leading a of winter weather, adding military lifestyle. Their multi-million pressure to an already busy pound programme to respond flying programme. to our key needs is a welcome The new year also marked investment. Read about it on page the formation of Reserve 20. In addition, our Community Logistics Support Wing, which Development Officer, Mark Davis, brings together the Royal and his team have secured a Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) significant amount of capital from the Fund to redesign and develop three of the Station’s playparks (page 22). Having read Warrant Officer Aitken’s article on page 21, I would encourage those with time Submissions to spare to consider becoming an RAF Association Befriender to Please direct all submissions for Wittering View Magazine to: maintain vital lifelines for ex-RAF The Editor, [email protected] personnel. [email protected] Flt Lt Madi Timlin Please try to ensure that images are in .jpeg format and as large as possible. Text should be supplied in Microsoft Word Find us on Facebook .doc format or plain text if possible. at Wittering View

4 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 TITLE OF ARTICLE SECTION HEADING Wittering View The official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force

12 14 19 Contents Special Award for Wittering's STEM Team 06 News In Brief 08 Padre’s Corner 11 3 Mobile Catering Sqn 12 Exercise SAIF SAREEA III 13 History in the Making 14 Centennial Anniversary of the Armistice 17 New Arrivals at RAF Wittering 19 Moving Scenes at JARTS 19 Helping hand for Military Family 20 RAF Association Befriender 21 Community News 22 Tea Break Time 24 Military Wives Choir 25 Recipe 26 06 In The Hot Seat 26 Editor Distribution Designed By Flt Lt Madi Timlin Morrisons Stamford, Sainsbury's Stamford, Families' Sherrie Bacarese [email protected] Shop Wittering, Walkers of Stamford, Stamford coffee shops, Phoenix Shop Wittering, Wittering Advertising Deputy Editor local businesses and amenities. Lance Print Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Emma Stacey Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL Published By Tel: Jo on 01536 334221 Team Lance Print Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, [email protected] Marissa Russell, Cpl Paul Robertshaw, Ed Palmer Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL and SAC Matty Smith. Tel: 01536 334222 Printing www.lanceprint.co.uk Lance Print Ltd, Email: [email protected] Tel: 01733 390564

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 5 FEATURE STEM TEAM

Special Award For Wittering’s STEM Team Wittering’s STEM Team has won the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Inspiring Engineering Award for 2018.

Science Technology Engineering Officer at RAF Wittering, but served & Maths (STEM) subjects are a as a logistics officer for more than 38 real priority for government and years before retiring. He said: “The businesses in the UK. All three team have given their professional Armed Forces have dedicated STEM expertise and their own time to teams, encouraging young people ensure that STEM at Wittering to consider STEM at school and is a big success. We ran our first choose a related career. event in 2015 and it’s been a huge The award was presented by success ever since. I am proud to Air Vice Marshal Sue Gray, former still be a member of this amazingly Air Officer Commanding 38 dedicated team and to have Group. Over 80 percent of jobs in received this award.” the Royal Air Force require some Race for the Line (RFTL) brought level of STEM education and, like The RAF Wittering STEM Team. hundreds of Year Seven students to so many organisations in the UK, RAF Wittering for the regional and the RAF needs to recruit a steady national finals of the competition. stream of qualified school leavers engineer and STEM Ambassador, hands-on experience of aircraft Teams from schools across the and graduates. said: “The work of RAF Wittering’s engineering. country designed, built and raced The IET Inspiring Engineering STEM team during RAF100 In April 2018, 100 young miniature rocket powered dragsters. Award is given to the team has been exceptional. Their people from the Air Cadets and Group Captain Keeling that has made an outstanding commitment, energy and initiative uniformed youth organisations concluded: “This is a fantastic contribution to encouraging in delivering events that have real came to Wittering and experienced achievement and well-earned young people into STEM engagement and educational engineering and logistics for recognition for the considerable subjects and enthusing the next value has been superb.” themselves. The five-day residential contribution made by STEM generation of engineers. 2018 The biggest STEM event in course was based around a Ambassadors at RAF Wittering. Our was a busy year for RAF Wittering’s 2018 was the Big Bang Fair at the hypothetical humanitarian relief STEM team is drawn from across STEM team, which delivered a NEC in Birmingham. As it was a operation and demonstrated the branches and trades, but they series of imaginative and high- centenary year, the RAF had the how science is key to logistics and all understand the importance of quality youth engagement events. biggest stand and engineers engineering. getting young minds tuned into Station Commander Group from Wittering were on hand to Warrant Officer Steve Poulton Science, Technology, Engineering Captain Tony Keeling, who is an give thousands of young people is the Youth Engagement Warrant and Maths.”

Young people at the Big Bang Fair given some hands-on experience of engineering.

6 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 7 NEWS IN BRIEF News In Brief 16 Sqn To Infinity And Beyond The maximum operating altitude of a Grob Tutor is 10,000 feet. In December 2018, 16 Squadron were presented with a Crest Badge that has flown almost 100 times higher than its fleet of training aircraft. The badge and a NASA mission patch were presented to Officer Commanding 16 Squadron, Squadron Leader Mark Pickles by Group Captain From Kasper to Cedric Tony Keeling, Station Commander Royal Air Force Wittering (pictured left and RAF monuments and events were the below). It will be displayed to promote the motto of the Royal Air Force: Per focus of a Military History Tour Ardua Ad Astra, Through Adversity to the Stars. by personnel from 4624 Squadron. The badge was flown with former NASA Astronaut and Mission Specialist, The bespoke military history walk, the Savoy after the intervention of Andrew S. Thomas, aboard the United led by London Guide Paul , an Air Commodore. States Space Shuttle, ENDEAVOUR in began at St Clement Danes Church They also learnt about Captain memory of Flight Lieutenant Douglas in Westminster. The Central Church Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming, the Will Sampson, a Royal Australian Air of the RAF, it was restored after Director of the new Foreign Section Force pilot who received a Distinguished the Second World War with funds of the Secret Intelligence Bureau, Flying Cross flying as a member of 16 raised by the RAF. Squadrons and later known as MI6. Having lost a leg Squadron during the Second World units are recognised in the form of in an accident, part of his interview War. The mission launched on 19 May slate badges inlaid into the floor process when recruiting new agents 1996 from the Kennedy Space Center and the badge of 4624 Sqn was would be to stick a penknife in his in Florida. located during the visit. wooden leg to see their reaction. If The 10-day trip was the 77th The group moved on to the they flinched, in his eyes, they’d be Space Shuttle mission and the 11th Royal Air Force Memorial and the no good as an agent! for ENDEAVOUR. During the flight the Monument on the Other places visited included six-man crew conducted microgravity Embankment. The Battle of Britain the Ministry of Defence Building, research aboard the SPACEHAB module Monument includes a three- the Fleet Air Arm (Daedalus) at a maximum altitude of 178 miles. On dimensional sculpture centrepiece Memorial, Parliament Square and 29 May 1996, after 160 Earth orbits and a of airmen seemingly stepping out of the statue of Churchill, the Duke journey of a staggering 4,100,000 miles, the memorial wall and scrambling of York Monument, Horse Guards, ENDEAVOUR landed on runway 33 at towards their aircraft. , and the Bomber the Shuttle Landing Facility, Florida. The walk prompted memories Command Memorial in Green Park. from the group of the places we At the end of the walk they passed. One mentioned his time stopped at The Grenadier pub, as a young chef at The Savoy reputedly the most haunted pub Hotel when he heard about in London. The Grenadier is named Kasper the cat. During Second after young Cedric, a soldier who World War aircrews would dine was caught cheating at cards and there frequently, sometimes punished by being beaten to death. booking for a party of 13. As this No one knows when this occurred, was considered unlucky, Kasper but ghostly happenings are rife the cat would join them to make during September. Visitors now it 14. Kasper briefly ‘left’ the hotel hang money from the ceiling to when officers from 609 Sqn repay his debt so that his soul can smuggled him away as a ‘gizzit’ for rest in peace, but poor Cedric seems their crew room, only returning to bound to remain trapped on earth. We're On High Flying Visitors

Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS) welcomed Facebook! the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Dr Andrew Harter Keep up to date with all the CBE, and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, community information, news Ms Lily Bacon on a visit to RAF Wittering. and events by As well as being shown the work that the Squadron visiting and liking does, enhancing university education with relevant life- the Wittering View skills, Dr Harter and Ms Bacon also experienced a quick Facebook page. flight in a Grob Tutor.

8 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 Warrant Officer McClelland waves goodbye to the RAF After 41 years’ service, Warrant Officer Donald McClelland has bid farewell to the Royal Air Force. Joining the Royal Air Force in powersets for the Lightning to August 1978, he completed missile defence systems for the basic training at Royal Air Force RAF Regiment. He completes Swinderby, then trained as a his career as Warrant Officer General Technician (Ground Engineering Policy and Assurance Support Equipment) before for A4 Capability Integration at embarking on a career that Headquarters Air Command. took him to many of the Royal Group Captain Tozer, Deputy Air Force’s stations, including Assistant Chief of Staff A4 Binbrook, Lossiemouth, Capability, said: “It is a true honour Stafford, Cottesmore, Kinloss, and privilege to present Warrant Brize Norton, Leeming and Officer McClelland with this Personnel from 4624 Squadron Wittering. bowler hat, after over 40 years of took part in a 170-mile cycle His remarkable and varied service. It is a small but significant The Way of expedition from the west to service has seen him work mark of his service and dedication the east coast. on everything from aircraft to the RAF and the country.” the Roses The team of seven riders (pictured above) cycled the Way of the Roses path which runs from Morecambe, across the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Wolds to . The ride took three days and the group were blessed with sunny and dry weather for the duration. During the ride, the team were supported by WO Steve Beaumont and SAC Wendy Wealsby, who were on hand with plenty of snacks and hot cups of tea. Cyclist SAC Ryan Moyle said: “We were a mixed bunch in terms of experience and ability, 504 Sqn however that didn’t matter. There were times when those less experienced could have New Year, New Wing stopped and given up cycling the challenging hill climbs The year of 2019 rings in a change to based at RAF Brize Norton, and and longer sections but, using the command and control structures 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron of Warwick) Squadron, Wing teamwork, we supported each for 504 (County of Nottingham) based at RAF Cosford. While all three Commander Paul Bell, until a other through those difficult Squadron. squadrons had previously been part permanent incumbent can be sections so no one would be From January, the Squadron of 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing, recruited. left behind. We started as a team became part of the Reserves Logistics their combination as the Reserves 504 (County of Nottingham) and we were determined to Support Wing, established to Logistics Support Wing allows for a Squadron will continue to recruit, finish as one. encompass the outputs of the three greater focus on Reserve outputs, train, manage and retain part-time “Crossing the finish line in Royal Auxiliary Air Force Logistics giving 85 Wing greater capacity to volunteer Reserves to the logistics Bridlington, each one of us Support Squadrons. Based at RAF deliver Regular logistics capabilities. trades of supplier, driver and chef. had a profound sense of pride Wittering as part of the A4 Force, Initially the post of Officer Once trained, these Reservists are and achievement. This ride the Reserves Logistics Support Commanding Reserve Logistics available to support the Royal Air has shown us all what a team Wing brings together 504 (County Support Wing will be undertaken Force at main operating bases or on of people can achieve if they of Nottingham) Squadron, 501 on a temporary basis by Officer operations and exercises in both the support each other and believe (County of Gloucester) Squadron Commanding 605 (County UK and overseas. in themselves.”

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 9 NEWS IN BRIEF News In Brief Christmas Card 504 Sqn Competition A Year Three pupil from proud. The School and the Station Wittering Primary School achieve so much, the Christmas won the RAF Wittering card competition is a great way of Wins Awards Christmas Card Competition. finishing the year off.” Every year the 28 squadrons Jarvis, Officer Commanding Station Commander, Group Zofia’s colourful design of the Royal Auxiliary Air Catering Flt, was awarded The Captain Tony Keeling, and Mrs featured a row of presents sitting Force compete for six trophies Inspector’s Shield in recognition Bobby Keeling presented the beneath two RAF 100 banners awarded to recognise both of his leadership of both the school with a montage of all the while singing angels fly overhead. their contribution to the Scampton Air Show catering designs before announcing Zofia Group Captain Keeling said: Whole Force and their team and a team of Reservist Dubiel as the winner. “Zofia’s card was full of colour individual achievements. chefs who beat competitors Every year pupils from the and clearly celebrating the This year, it was the turn of from all three Services to win school design the Station’s official RAF100 theme, Bobby and I were 504 (County of Nottingham) a Gold Medal in Exercise JOINT Christmas card; which is sent to immediately drawn to it. Choosing Squadron to scoop two awards: CATERER. personnel working across the the winning Christmas card is The Inspector’s Cup, awarded Both awards will be formally world and their families, friends one of the great privileges for a in recognition of a notable presented to the Squadron later of RAF Wittering, and members of Station Commander but, with so achievement by a Royal in the year. the Royal Family. many stunning designs to choose Auxiliary Air Force Unit; and The Rhys Thrower, Headteacher at from, it’s really difficult to choose Inspector’s Shield, awarded to Wittering Primary School, said: “I’m the right one to be sent to our an individual in recognition of so glad I didn’t have to choose deployed personnel and their their personal achievements. the winner, the children did us families.” The Inspector’s Cup was awarded to 504 Squadron in recognition of the excellent catering support provided to the RAF Scampton Air Show. Warrant Officer Sweeney

Gala Night For The Great Escape Be among the audience to see The Great Escape in amazing 4K definition at a special event and gala screening to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the iconic escape from Stalag Luft III.

Historian and TV presenter Hammersmith in London on Dan Snow is hosting The Great March 24. The gala screening of Escape at the Eventim Apollo the 1963 film will follow an hour- long show, where Dan will reflect on the plan. He will be joined on stage by the original Triumph TR6 motorcycle made famous by legendary actor Steve McQueen as well as Britain’s Got Talent stars The D-Day Darlings, historian Paul Beaver and Dr Hugh Hunt of the . The show, organised by Dan said: “We will remember films of all time. Thanks to the RAF the Royal Air Force Benevolent the extraordinary bravery of the Benevolent Fund, it’s, going to be Fund, will include interviews men who participated in the a truly momentous occasion.” with veterans of the escape, and most daring escape of the Second Tickets for the live event and the film will be streamed live to World War and bring back to the cinema screenings are available at hundreds of UK cinemas. big screen one of the greatest www.thegreatescape75.co.uk

10 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 PADRE’S CORNER REGULARS

Padre’s Corner

Preparing for Easter The Christian Church across the world Thanksgiving has a time of preparation called Lent. Courtesy of 3 MCS This is a time for people would be a difficult to do to reflect and pray, and this for a few weeks at a Chefs of Wittering’s No 3 Mobile sometimes give something time, then why not try a Catering Squadron created a up, as a way of focusing retreat for a few days. It’s special Thanksgiving Lunch the mind to get ready for not always about finding to help American colleagues Easter. Lent lasts for a few God, but more about finding celebrate their national holiday weeks and in the Easter oneself in the busyness of far from home. Church, Christians would life and its struggles, and the Eight US Air Force personnel take themselves away to ground rush of each week. from the 621st Contingency reflect deeper about their Finding the space to breathe Response Wing, normally based own journey and reflect on the past year. in New Jersey, USA, were taking of faith. So why not give yourself part in Exercise AGILE EAGLE at I think it’s good for us a challenge for the rest of RAF Leeming alongside their RAF British counterparts and we to reflect on where we are, the year? If the thought of counterparts. are so thankful to have such a not just on a spiritual level, Lent is too big, but you like Captain Andrew Kibellus supportive partnership with but on a physical level too. the idea of a retreat, then it’s said: “The Exercise participants the RAF. We loved the delicious Lent can be an opportunity worth trying something. I and RAF staff have been Thanksgiving meal, which truly to stop and take stock for have lots of ideas and places incredibly welcoming. Our reminded us of home during this a moment, to consider if you can go on a retreat. team has learned a lot from our holiday week.” you have drifted a little or This Lent I am aiming been too hard on yourself. to do some Lent reflections It can also be a chance to before Easter once a week. If reconnect with your faith. you’re interested, please call Think of it as something you in and get more information. may have left somewhere - It’s always good to take like a discarded old coat that some time out from our you’ve been meaning to pick busy day. Santa Special up but haven’t got around It is not just about to; Lent can be a time to getting ready for Easter, it’s press the pause button. about life and experiencing Forty deployed family members This can be done in it in all its fullness. had a great start to Christmas many ways. If you think it Padre Stewart Shaw when they met the big man himself on the Nene Valley Railway Santa Special. Organised by RAF Wittering’s Community Support Team, every child received a present and the families were entertained by singers, a magician and a local band. Onboard, the group enjoyed festive refreshments while Father Christmas stopped to chat with children and adults. Some of the children were amazed that Santa was on the train, clearly ensuring he knew what was on their Christmas list! Community Development Officer, Mark Davis said: “This is a trip delivered by the Community Support Team to support our service families at Christmas. We are always well looked after by the Nene Valley Steam team.”

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 11 NEWS 3 MOBILE CATERING SQN

Intense Training with 3Mobile Catering Sqn Personnel of RAF Wittering’s 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) have been training the next generation of chefs while keeping their own military skills sharp.

Brisk temperatures met trainee said: “The team has worked Not far away, regulars guard a checkpoint and respond RAF chefs as they learned how really well today. We’ve knocked from 3MCS were practising to hostile forces as though they to cook for large numbers up quite a lot; we’ve got curry, military skills common to all were on a real operation. in a deployed setting. The some steak, pie, vegetarian RAF personnel. Sleeping under Station Commander Gp trainees built their tented field pizza and a really nice fruit canvas and living on standard Capt Tony Keeling said: “The kitchen, installed the catering crumble. So, for a first servery military 24-hour ration packs, trainees have done brilliantly; it’s equipment and then slept it’s been a really good go.” the airmen and women had to a challenging scenario for them under canvas. because they’ve never done Warrant Officer Daz Rose, of this before. They’re living and 3MCS, said: “You'd feed about working in the field for the first 100 people out of this kitchen, time, so it’s a good opportunity if you were working from a for them to experience what real deployed base. But it’s the same operations will be like.” equipment, the same burners He added: “Sustaining those and the same green canvas basic military skills is a must. we would use on an actual Our personnel can be cooking operation.” in a field kitchen one day and RAF chefs and stewards find themselves on duty at a form Trade Group (TG) 19. checkpoint the next. It doesn’t Recruits who join TG 19 must matter how well qualified they first complete their basic are in their chosen specialism, military training at RAF Halton our personnel have to be ready and then begin their trade for operations. That’s why this training at Worthy Down realistic training is so important.” Barracks. For the RAF recruits, two weeks of their training is PHOTOS: the Deployed Skills Course with (Main) A member of 3MCS on 3MCS. guard duty during the exercise. Trainee chef Tom Couch (Inset) Serving up vegetarian pizza.

12 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 2MT SQN NEWS

2 MT Sqn The driving force behind Ex SAIF SAREEA III No 2 Mechanical Transport (2 MT) them by convoy, supported by II VIPs to multiple locations across Sqn deployed a detachment of 31 Sqn RAF Regiment, to RAF Oman Oman. Providing the crucial Thumrait. Demonstrating their land bridge between Musannah personnel to two different locations ability to operate in hostile and Air Terminal and the forward everchanging scenarios without locations of the Army and Joint in Oman, in support of Exercise compromising real life support Helicopter Command several to 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, 2 hours away, they transported SAIF SAREEA III; the largest joint UK MT personnel were successfully vital aircraft spares and medical tested in a three-day Deployed equipment, and provided critical military exercise in 17 years. Operating Base Force Protection Battlefield Ambulance support Exercise. 24 hours, seven days a week Further North, 2 MT Sqn between the Role 1 Medical For many of those deploying, the Exercise and the Fire Power personnel at RAF Oman Facility and local hospitals. it was their first experience of Demonstration. The secondary Musannah, also proved their Stepping in at short notice, working in the extreme heat of task was to provide real life versatility, carrying out a they conducted the refuelling a desert environment and their support, managing the local hire multitude of transport tasks. duties for the Air to Air Refuelling first time in Oman. fleet for over 600 personnel at Working under the newly-formed Voyager; dispensing 780,000 Those working out of RAF Oman Thumrait, conducting Tri-Service Musannah Support Litres within three weeks. RAF Oman Thumrait in the regular airport, hospital and Unit, they provided essential South were attached to 140 supply runs to the local city of logistic support to Ex SAIF PHOTOS: Expeditionary Air Wing, where Salalah. Further assistance was SAREEA III personnel and the (Main) 2MT personnel deployed the main effort was the continual provided to the deployed Force Joint Forces Command on Exercise SAIF SAREEA III at refuelling of the many platforms, Elements to load and unload Logistics Headquarters, Musannah Air Base. including Typhoons, BAE 146 their assets and vehicles regularly conveying (Inset) 2MT personnel in action and E3D Sentry, involved in both at the Port and transport HQ personnel and unloading vehicles from a C17.

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 13 FEATURE HISTORY IN THE MAKING

History in the Making The RAF Wittering Memorial Wall. The Centre, which is run by a few facelifts over the years, with RAF Wittering’s Heritage Centre small group of volunteers, both the addition of exhibits to reflect service and civilian, was opened the history of the Station as well on November 13, 2014 by Air as ones that provide an insight provides a fitting tribute to all Marshall Baz North OBE MA into the work of RAF Wittering RAF. It is a place that personnel today. ex and serving members of who serve, or have connections Items on display include four with RAF Wittering, can take Harrier Aircraft, two Pegasus the Station and is a historical pride in and relive the unit’s Engines, a large collection of achievements from its origins to scale aircraft models, air to air the present day. and air to ground weapons, legacy to the last operational Originally set up as a force an interactive flying clothing development centre for service display and two accessible RAF base in Cambridgeshire. personnel, it has undergone a Harrier cockpits.

Members of the Deeping WI enjoying their visit to the Station Heritage Centre.

14 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 No 5131(Bomb Disposal) Sqn Display.

There are also three history rooms Falklands War memorabilia. featuring several displays including Taking centre stage in the an overview of the history of the centre’s Briefing Room is the Roll Station, hundreds of photographs and of Remembrance Boards and documents, as well as exhibits about Books featuring the names of No 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron, personnel and civilians who died the Prisoner of War Association and while serving at RAF Wittering or its satellite airfields. The research work was carried out by a former committee member and the project was co-ordinated by the Heritage Centre Committee. Unveiled during the Station’s Joshua Main in WWI flying gear. Centenary celebrations in 2016, the boards and books are in a quiet area where guests can reflect. The aim of the Centre is to provide an interactive facility to engage with the local community, encouraging schools, colleges, cadet forces, veterans’ groups and other associations to visit and learn about the rich history of the Royal Air Force itself and Wittering in particular. In 2018 the volunteers hosted 73 groups totalling 1,800 visitors. The Centre is open to the public, by appointment only, on the last Friday of every month. Groups up to a maximum of 40 can be accommodated. Bookings outside of the normal opening times can be made, subject to availability and operational commitments.

If you are interested in becoming a Heritage Centre Volunteer or would like to arrange a visit to the Centre, please contact Sqn Ldr Andy Tagg on tel. 01780 417581 or Cpl Lisa Morris on “The Long March” – Highlighting RAF Wittering’s tel. 01780 417407. connection to The Prisoner of War Association.

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 15 71(IR) Sqn Steam Team.

16 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 16 SQN EFT ANNUAL DINNER NEWS

16 Sqn sweep the board at the Annual Elementary Flying Training Dining-in Night Wittering’s parade in Stamford. The annual Elementary Flying outstanding performance in the air Training (EFT) Dining-in Night, and on the ground. held at Daedalus Officers’ Mess at The VT Aerospace Trophy Royal Air Force Cranwell, brings is awarded to the student who The Centennial Anniversary of the together the four EFT Squadrons performed best in the air overall; from RAF Wittering, Barkston Flying Officer James Spratt was Heath, and Cranwell, to celebrate presented with the trophy for their achievements from the past achieving the highest average year and complete the annual grades of any student pilot. prizegiving ceremony. Three prizes The Sword of Merit is awarded Armistice are awarded: the Bertram Dickson to the EFT Squadron which has Trophy; the VT Aerospace Trophy performed the best over the past The streets of and Stamford and the Sword of Merit. year; it was accepted by Squadron This year, all three prizes were Leader Pickles, Officer Commanding were filled as residents joined RAF awarded to 16 Squadron. 16 Squadron, in recognition of a The Bertram Dickson Trophy year involving an unprecedented Wittering personnel to mark the 100th is the original Schneider Trophy; number of students combined with it was first presented to Bertram a reduction in staff numbers. Armistice on Remembrance Sunday. Dickson in 1910 for endurance flying A great night was had by all across Europe. It was awarded to and 16 Squadron look forward to Bridge Street in Peterborough to attention outside Browne’s Flying Officer Rob Smith as the best retaining their awards at next year’s was almost impassable as nearly Hospital. For Wittering’s Station overall EFT student across the four Dinner. a thousand people joined with Commander, Group Captain Squadrons, in recognition of an serving personnel, veterans Tony Keeling, it was an especially and cadets to remember the significant moment. fallen and mark a century He said “On Remembrance since the guns fell silent in Sunday we call to mind the 1918. sacrifices made by those from was the venue for a service of all three services in the cause remembrance, led by the Bishop of freedom. Many people here of Peterborough, the Right serve, or have served, in Donald Allister. Royal Air Force and we rightly Warrant Officer Nigel Gurney, commemorate that century of the acting Station Warrant Officer service to this country.” who led the parade, said: “2018 Station personnel from 85 is both the 100th anniversary of Expeditionary Logistics Wing the first armistice in 1918, and the and 504 Squadron supported centenary of the Royal Air Force, remembrance services in Wittering which really seems to have struck a village and Oakham. No 2 chord. We’re overwhelmed by the Mechanical Transport Squadron level of support in Peterborough.” returned to Newborough, near In Stamford, crowds lined Peterborough, joining the villagers Flying Officer Rob Smith receives the Bertram Dickson Trophy from Wing Broad Street as parading personnel and primary school children in a Commander Bews, Officer Commanding Elementary Flying Training. from RAF Wittering were brought special service of remembrance.

Squadron Leader Mark Pickles Flying Officer James Spratt is presented receives the Sword of Merit on with the VT Aerospace Trophy. behalf of 16 Squadron. Record numbers marked the commemoration.

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 17 18 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 NEW ARRIVALS AT RAF WITTERING NEWS New Arrivals at RAF Wittering Students were put recruits a chance to learn valuable to RAF Wittering for some physical leadership and team-building skills. As training and leadership exercises. For more information about through their paces the UAS’s are part of the RAF, recruits Flying training will start later in the University Air Squadrons, also get the chance to fly. One of year; for most of the students, it will be visit: https://www.raf.mod.uk/ at RAF Wittering as the first pilots to touch down at RAF their first time sitting in a cockpit. our-organisation/university- Cambridge University Wittering when the airfield reopened Station Commander Gp Capt air-squadrons/ in 2014 was a UAS student. Tony Keeling said: “Joining a Air Squadron (CUAS) Squadron Leader Rich Kellett, UAS is a great way to enhance Commanding Officer of CUAS, said: a university education while welcomed its latest “When people see ‘Cambridge’ learning about future career intake of undergraduates. they can get a little intimidated, but choices. Regardless of whether you don’t have to be a Cambridge students choose to join the RAF Fitness was the priority on the first undergraduate to join us. We on graduation, the skills they get day as the students were taken take students from Anglia Ruskin from two or three years with to the Station’s gym where they (Cambridge and Chelmsford) and the UAS will stay with them for were taught basic parachute drills the Universities of East Anglia, a lifetime.” Fitness was as important element of before a punishing bleep test, Northampton and Essex. the students’ time at Wittering. press-ups and sit-ups. Leadership, Regardless of what university you’re management and problem-solving from, everyone is treated the same exercises at CUAS HQ made up the way and has the same amazing rest of the day. opportunities.” Ellie Brewer (20) from Norfolk is There are 15 RAF University in her first year of studying medicine Air Squadrons and they offer and aspires to a medical career in the undergraduates a chance to Royal Air Force. She said: “I was looking sample RAF life. Their main role is to join a University Air Squadron to attract talented undergraduates because I wanted to meet interesting, to Regular and Reserve RAF service, determined people and have a but membership of a UAS doesn’t chance to partake in adventurous mean students have to join the RAF training.” after university. Adventurous training includes The new intake spent time rock climbing, skiing and sailing – learning the basics of military life at giving University Air Squadron (UAS) RAF College Cranwell and returned The new CUAS recruits in a leadership exercise.

Moving Scenes at With effect from November A recent review of the 2018, JARTS transferred chain- two Wings based at Wittering of-command from 85 (EL) Wg highlighted an imbalance to 42 (ES) Wg. in their span of command JARTS’ primary role and relative size, with 85 is Immediate Readiness (EL) Wg being considerably for Aircraft Post Crash larger. JARTS was identified Management and recovery as having a strong affinity JARTS activities for both military and with 42 (ES) Wg due to its mix Royal Air Force and personnel from civil aircraft. Thankfully though of logistics and engineering the Joint Aircraft Recovery & Transportation its main effort is predominantly functions. Therefore, JARTS the transportation of MoD will continue to receive Squadron (JARTS) watched Wg Cdr Dan Penter, aircraft and uncrated specialist support in equal components; both around the measure between 85 (EL) OC 42 (Expeditionary Support) Wing, and Wg UK, and moving aircraft to- Wg, such as the Force Master Cdr Debs Wright, OC 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) and-from worldwide locations Driver, and 42(ES) Wg, such in support of operations and as engineering authorisations Wing, carry out one of JARTS’ easiest moves. exercises. and assurance regime.

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 19 BENEVOLENT FUND WELLBEING

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “This project has reminded us that RAF personnel and their families demonstrate Helping Hand incredible resilience on a daily basis, as they wrestle with the challenges of modern-day Service life. However, given the increasing complexity of some of the issues faced, there for Military Family remains a requirement for targeted support to assist serving RAF families during periods of need. Mental wellbeing difficulties, social isolation and partner employment “Working closely with the RAF, the Fund has developed a opportunities are the biggest challenges facing serving RAF package of practical initiatives that will make a real difference personnel and their partners, according to a new report from the to the lives of RAF personnel and their families in the areas that Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity. have emerged from the research.”

The report, Meeting the Needs support already being provided. youth support programme on of the Serving RAF Community, Some of this will be delivered RAF Stations. Access to the mindfulness app found the issues most through grant funding, while • Increasing the employability Headspace is now free for all important to serving RAF and other programmes will be tested and wellbeing of RAF partners RAF personnel. Simply email their partners were relationship via pilot schemes to ensure they by piloting workshops and [email protected] to difficulties, loneliness, mental are effective and valued before seminars. register your interest. The app wellbeing and the social rolling them out further. • Enhancing and strengthening takes participants through a isolation linked with leading family relationships by series of exercises designed a military lifestyle. In addition These include: completing and evaluating to promote mindfulness to that, 76 percent of RAF • Enhancing mental wellbeing a pilot providing wellbeing through a series of bite- personnel said they preferred to among individuals by funding breaks for RAF families across sized 10-minute sessions, deal with their problems alone, access to the mindfulness app the UK. essentially it is a ‘gym rather than asking for help, Headspace for RAF personnel. • Increasing awareness of membership for the mind’. while 39 percent said they had • Enhancing social engagement, the range of support that is The exercises download onto even been too embarrassed to increasing connectivity and available to the serving RAF your phone or browser and are ask for help in the past. reducing isolation and loneliness community, ensuring more perfect for busy lives. Research The RAF Benevolent Fund has by piloting Station Engagement people receive support in times shows just 10 days of 10-minute announced a multimillion-pound Workers, providing funding for of need by developing a digital exercises can improve your response to the RAF’s key needs facilities and play parks, and tool which provides an easy-to- mental wellbeing. in addition to on-going work and expanding its flagship Airplay access source of information.

20 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 BEFRIENDER RAF ASSOCIATION Be there for a friend in need as an RAF Association Befriender Warrant Officer Brian Aitken, of 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron at Wittering, is a Welfare Officer for the Royal Air Force Association and acts as a Befriender for Royal Air Force Veterans.

While deployed in the Middle East research has found that isolation and in 2018, he received a letter from his loneliness is particularly acute within sister containing an article from the the ex-military community, indicating local paper with a photograph of a that at least 170,000 Royal Air Force care home resident, Duncan Currie, veterans could be living alone, or wearing the headdress of a Royal Air experiencing isolation issues. The Force Officer. Association’s befriending service pairs Intrigued, Brian wrote to Duncan, volunteers with veterans and their offering to visit him when he was families who suffer from loneliness on leave in Ayrshire. During this visit and isolation. Last year its network of Brian discovered that Duncan had volunteer welfare officers made over joined the Royal Air Force aged 17 and 102,200 welfare visits and calls offering trained as a navigator and wireless personal support to meet each operator on Lancaster Bombers. individual’s and family’s needs. Serving on 617 Squadron, flying Brian said: “Right now, there are on both the Dambusters raids and RAF veterans near you who are lonely missions on Operation MANNA, and isolated. As a volunteer, you could Duncan helped to drop tons of food step in to change that. It won’t take into famine-struck areas of unliberated much of your time and it’s a great way Holland towards the end of the to use your skills, give something back conflict. Moved by his story, Brian and feel good. Go on, get involved!” continued to visit Duncan during his visits home, spending many hours learning about his time in the Royal For more information about Air Force. In December 2018, Brian becoming a befriender, visit obtained a 617 Squadron print as a www.rafa.org.uk/befriending Christmas gift for Duncan. However, when contacting South Beach House in Ayrshire, he discovered that Duncan had suffered a stroke. Brian spent a few final precious moments visiting Duncan before his death, at the age of 95, early in the New Year. Brian said: “I know all too well how important it is to remember and look after our veterans. On my last visit, I spent well over an hour with Duncan reminiscing about his time in the Service as a 617 Squadron Dambusters pilot and the loss of so many of his friends. No one in the RAF family should feel lonely because once you’re part of the RAF family, In memoriam. Flight you’re always part of it.” Lieutenant Duncan McNair According to the Campaign to Currie, 1924-2019. End Loneliness, it’s a bigger threat to life than obesity and more dangerous to health than smoking. The lonely are more likely to need medication, suffer from depression or dementia and end up in residential care. Tackling loneliness is a key part of the RAF Association’s mission for Flight Lieutenant Duncan Currie with the 21st century. Recent Warrant Officer Brian Aitken in 2018.

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 21 REGULARS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Here to Help Community News Community Support The Personal Support and Social Outreach Coffee Morning Work Service (RAF) is a nationwide service, covering all RAF stations.

It offers a safe, non-judgemental we are and what we do. If you are environment for service unsure or have any ideas on how personnel and their families to to highlight our service, please do talk openly about any issues give us a call or drop in. A Community Support Outreach that are affecting their lives. We Coffee Morning is held on the last work very closely with the RAF CHANGES TO YOUR Thursday of every month. The event Welfare staff, but we are not part SSAFA TEAM… is taking place in the Community of the RAF chain of command At the time of writing I am in Learning Centre from 9.30-10.30am and so can remain impartial my last week with SSAFA at RAF with members of the Community when discussing your needs. Wittering and preparing to move Support Team. SSAFA’s role on Station is on to pastures new. Come along whether you varied. We link in with local Paula Finch, who has have just arrived, been here agencies to improve services previously been at Wittering forever, if your partner has been for personnel and their families, and has been supporting the deployed or you just fancy a chat. we complete reports for SSAFA team here for some time is The Community Support Team personnel relating to long- returning to take up the reins. comprises Service Community term sickness and deployment I would like to thank all the Support Officer, Community Free Advice Clinics at the HIVE issues and support welfare station personnel who I have Development Officer, HIVE, SSAFA, education delivery. called on for support over the Padre and RAF Police to name a few. • Military Foundation - Andy The Armed Forces can past four years and wish all the Rhi and Emma from Amey will also Wain, the Military Foundation experience social issues as any personnel and their families at be available. Adviser visits the HIVE office community does. However, it is Wittering well in the future. every Tuesday from 9.30am- important to remember there Thank you once again. 2pm, offering debt and is a wealth of help, advice and Matt Rowe, Useful numbers financial advice, mortgage support available. Whatever your Personal & Families referrals and financial problem is, large or small, talking Support Worker. Service education. it through and getting advice Community will help. Support • Solicitors – On the second It is important that our Officer - WO and fourth Wednesday community understands who Neil Paylor, tel. of every month, Buckles 01780 417142 Solicitors offer a free or mobile 30-minute appointment. 07976 206569. Appointments need to be SSAFA PERSONAL SUPPORT will be answered during HIVE Information Officer - Sophie booked via the HIVE office. & SOCIAL WORK SERVICE is working hours). West, tel. 01780 417541 or email available to support welfare Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm, [email protected]. • Citizens Advice Rutland issues in confidence. If you Monday to Fridays. (Please leave Community Development visit the HIVE office every need support please contact a message if we are not in and Officer (CDO) – Mark Davis, tel. Thursday from 9.30am-12pm, tel. 01780 416303. An Out of we will contact you as soon as 07976 165304. offering advice to the whole Hours Service is available on possible). Our team office is in Station Youth Worker - Sharon Wittering community both tel. 03000 111 723. Or email the Amenities block (next to the Pollard on tel. 07908 595236 Service and Civilian. [email protected] (email shop on the base). or email: Sharon.Pollard@ actionforchildren.org.uk . New Playparks at Wittering Three playparks in Wittering are being given a catalogues for ideas. The Proludic team was keen whole new look. to listen to ideas from the group, which also The parks located in St George’s Road, Holt visited a nearby playpark for inspiration. Close and Nene Close, have been redesigned with All three designs were then shown to input from children and families in the village. the Wittering community for consultation. At the end of last year, a group of youngsters The designs for the play parks received from Wittering, together with the Community overwhelming support with a few additional Development Officer Mark Davis, Service suggestions taken onboard. Community Support Officer WO Neil Paylor and The team then put together a funding the Station Youth Worker Sharon Pollard, met up application to the RAF Benevolent Fund and with Proludic, a play park provider, to design and were pleased to be granted funding of over plan three new playparks. The young people £196,000. Work commenced in February, so came up with a few suggestions including theme by the time you read this article, the playparks ideas and a zip wire, and also asked that the parks should have been built! be suitable for a wide age group. A grand opening is planned for late Spring The Community Support Team and youngsters The group spent the day, sharing ideas, but all playparks should be open before the try out some of the play equipment. drawing them and then looking at various Easter school holidays.

22 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 Community News Exciting Times Wittering Families Centre has a Mummies’ Preloved Market and Side by side new team. much more. Joanne Ward became the Family For regular updates please 2019 is going to be an exciting year for Support Worker in September, like their Facebook page @ after working within the centre as a WitteringFamiliesCentre. the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. volunteer and the Families’ Centre Assistant for two years. Meanwhile PHOTO: Wittering Families Centre offers Fresh from a year celebrating the Aid manuals, a grant for Ben Play the Centre’s new manager is Kate an exciting timetable of activities. foundation of the RAF itself, we will and Ben Parenting activities plus Ringham-Ward who took over also be marking our 100th birthday. some individual grants. We were in October. Kate has previously The fact these commemorations also able to continue our Airplay and managed an Education Centre follow on so closely to each other Ben Club sessions for youngsters on before starting a family. is testament to the history the station, and our relationship support Kate and Jo have put together RAF Benevolent Fund shares with through Relate. a new, exciting and varied timetable the RAF. And this is just the beginning, as for the families. This includes Sensory In the last year, the Fund spent we look to celebrate our incredible Sessions, Stay & Play, and Music more than £19 Million on the RAF milestone year, building on 100 and Movement sessions with Family, including £5.5million on years of support, we aim to increase ‘Bilinguasing’, a fantastic Spanish and serving personnel and their families. our reach and help even more English Nursery Rhyme group. From the first airman we helped people doubling our beneficiary The Families Centre has lots of as he transitioned from Forces numbers to 100,000. very exciting upcoming events and life back to civvy street, to the But we couldn’t do it without activities, including ‘The Families thousands of serving and retired you. Your support is at the heart of Centre Little Bake Off 2’, Easter Party, personnel we help every year, our what we do. I’d like to thank every mission has remained the same – one of you personally, without you to ensure no member of the RAF we simply could not do what we do. Family faces adversity alone. Last year saw amazing support from As the RAF has evolved and RAF Wittering; SAC Matt Hibbitt the challenges its personnel face inspired a team to complete a have changed, so has the support 100km static cycle ride at Morrisons and welfare services we provide. in Stamford, Padre Stewart Shaw set Following in-depth research up the cinema and with dedicated into the needs of the serving volunteers raised an amazing RAF community, we launched £5,500 which will pay for this year’s a new mindfulness service, cinema licence, and Cpl Jane giving personnel free access to Mortimer kept the RAF Benevolent Headspace. Since then, more than Fund committee going and raised 700 personnel have signed up to much-needed funds at a charity the service. Boxing Night. Headspace is just one element If you would like to get involved of a raft of new services, which in marking the Fund’s centenary represent a multi-million pound and raising some money for us, Wittering investment in the wellbeing of the there are several events you can RAF Family. Other pilot schemes sign up to including the Sleaford will include the introduction of Half Marathon, Lincoln 10k or Ride station engagement workers to London-Surrey 100 cycle ride. Speak support personnel facing loneliness to our Regional Fundraiser, Lisa Cinema Club and social isolation; development Hunt, on tel. 07894 479429 or email Written By: Padre Stewart Shaw All the money raised at this of a mobile app listing all welfare [email protected] event will go to the Royal Air services available to RAF personnel Keep an eye out for future Force Benevolent Fund which and their families; further investment RAF Benevolent Fund news in the Over the next few has not only supported the in our youth support schemes Wittering View including details on Station Cinema, but has also Airplay and Ben Club; and seminars how YOU can get involved, in our weeks there will provided funding for the new and workshops for spouses to new regular column. playparks and support to many develop employability skills. Thank you. be some changes other projects at Wittering. In 2018, we spent more than Air Vice-Marshal David Murray The occasion will be an £375,000 supporting more than Chief Executive, RAF Benevolent Fund to the RAF opportunity to say thank you a thousand Wittering personnel to the RAF Ben Fund as well as and their families. This included the Wittering Cinema. a great day ‘at the cinema’ for refurbishment of three play parks, an all the family. So remember to investment of almost £200,000, as Just before Christmas, the RAF save the date – August 3, 2019! well as providing Mental Health First Benevolent Fund gave us some We have got some great more funding for new sofas as movies coming up over the well as a couple of other things next few months and we are that will help make your cinema making use of technology experience even more enjoyable. and social media to keep We’ve also got some exciting everyone in the loop. All the news about a new event in the screenings are posted on summer. Thanks to a generous the Wittering View Facebook donation from Babcock’s but we also have a Wittering International, as well as a great Cinema Whatsapp group. deal on the hire of a large screen For more information about by Outdoor Cinema Hire, we joining the Whatsapp group are going to be holding our first please contact me on stewart. Open Air Cinema Screening. [email protected]

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 23 REGULARS TEA BREAK TIME TEA BREAK TIME

TEA BREAK TIME ANSWERS Spot The Difference AT THE Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs? BOTTOM OF PAGE 26. Jerusalem Facts 1. Jerusalem is one of the oldest negotiated terms with Saladin cities in the world. It was first by threatening to pull down settled in the 4th millennium BCE. the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque if Saladin 2. There are nine entrances in stormed the city. the city walls, not all used. The Golden/Eastern Gate is 7. Queen Isabella’s third husband, sealed; Jewish legend is that Henry of Champagne, died a the messiah will enter the city rather unfortunate death in through that gate. 1197; distracted by his dwarf, he stepped backwards out of 3. The Emperor Constantine I a window. Spring Wordsearch ordered the building of a church on the site where it’s thought 8. Jerusalem is the third holiest Which of the medieval Kings and Jesus was crucified, buried, and site in Islam as it’s believed to be resurrected. Indeed, a tomb was where the prophet Mohammed Queens of Jerusalem listed below discovered when a temple was made his night journey to the demolished to make way. The throne of God. The Temple Mount cannot be found within the grid? Church of the Holy Sepulchre is home to the Dome of the Rock was destroyed and rebuilt several and the al-Aqsa Mosque. L G O D F R A M A N Amalric times during the Crusades. Amaury 4. The first Crusade took place in S I B Y L L A Y H B 1099. Pope Urban II wanted One Last Thing… I S A U L S L N U H Baldwin to conquer Jerusalem and King Solomon ordered the Godfrey liberate the Church of the Holy building of the Temple of B A L E G I L A G C Sepulchre, devising the theory Jerusalem on Mount Moriah Guy of holy war to justify his means. after his father had the Ark Y B D S U R E M O I of the Covenant placed Henry 5. The current church was there. Of course, if you L M W N Y E B A D R consecrated on July 15, 1149, on watch the Indiana Jones Hugh the 50th anniversary of the fall films you’ll know that the L A I R A M A L F L of Jerusalem. It is Christianity’s Ark now resides in a military Isabella holiest site, and its care is shared warehouse in the USA! G R N H E N S R R A Maria between several denominations. U E D N E S I L E M Melisende 6. Orlando Bloom’s character in Kingdom of Heaven, Balian, H I R A M A U R Y A Sibylla is based on a real husband of Queen Maria. The real Balian

24 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019 YOUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU NEWS TEA BREAK TIME

The Cottesmore Military Wives Choir. YOUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU! Performing in events and Have you ever concerts has helped our local considered joining a community raise thousands of pounds. Memorable events have Military Wives Choir? included singing at a fundraising event for the new Defence and Carol Croft, of 42 (ES) National Rehabilitation Centre, Wg, explains why she taking part in the Military Wives Choirs Cathedral tour loves being part of a at Peterborough Cathedral, being invited back to Leicester ‘singing family’. Cathedral to sing on Armed Forces Day for the third year and “Military personnel are constantly taking part in a ceremony to on the move. I’ve moved 10 times celebrate the culmination of a in my married life, but for some it is massive community event when a lot more. Being a long way away 10,000 ceramic poppies, made from your wider family and having by schools and groups across to make new friends each time the region, were displayed at can be the hardest part of being a Oakham Castle, much like at the military wife, leading to feelings of Tower of London. loneliness and isolation. What I have gained from Singing has been being in a Military Wives Choir, is scientifically proven to reduce a whole new family. These ladies the feelings of anxiety, and we all really are solid gold – friends for know how great it feels to sing a life. I love performing in a choir, favourite song at the top of our I have even sung a solo in front voice. But the best thing about of hundreds of people – I never being part of a Military Wives thought I could do that! So come Choir is that we all understand. and join us and find out how Most of us have not sung since amazing you could be. we were at school, but our Musical There are 75 Military Wives Director believes that everyone has Choirs worldwide. As a member a singing voice, and she will help of a Military Wives Choir, the you find it. next time you move, you can When I joined in 2016, the simply transfer. Cottesmore choir had just taken The Cottesmore choir part in the Military Wives Choirs represents all three services and album “Home for Christmas”. we draw ladies from Wittering, I remember thinking what a Melton Mowbray and Kendrew fabulous experience that must Barracks as well as from Stamford, have been, and the opportunity Leicester and Grantham. Weekly was unlikely to arise again, but at rehearsals are held on Tuesday the end of 2017, it was announced from 7-9pm (doors open at that we were to record an album 6.30pm) at the Kendrew Barracks to commemorate 100 years since Community Centre, Cottesmore.” the end of the First World War. The lyrics are about how it felt to wave their loved ones off to war, not For more information email knowing if they would see them cottesmore@ again. Those sentiments are still militarywiveschoirs.org true today.

SPRING 2019 WITTERING VIEW 25 REGULARS

Smoky Paprika, Borlotti Bean and Pork Braise

Name: Andy Ham Role: OC 504 (County of Nottingham) Sqn RAuxAF In the Seat If you are looking fo a quick and tasty dish then you can’t go 1. What part of your job gives 7. What would be your first DEAD - Nelson Mandela (the wrong with this little number. It you the most satisfaction? act as world leader? Statesman Africa wasted). is perfect for a family meal or if Watching Direct Entrant Where do you start? For me, you need to rustle something up Recruits (those with no global warming must be the 12. Name four people you fast should a friend or two pop previous military experience) biggest threat, so I'd work would like as a dinner round. This is ready in about 30 developing into confident and on that. guest – and why? minutes and serves four. proficient logisticians. Billy Connolly (the 8. Name your desert island funniest man alive), Ingredients 2. And the least? essentials? Olympic rower Katherine Low Calorie Cooking Spray (such Paperwork. I hate staff-work. (See My Ipod, a charcoal barbecue, Grainger (Great Britain's as Frylight) answer number 6…). a pile of steaks, a case of most decorated female 500g Pork Fillet; visible fat removed Castle Lager and a fridge to Olympian), broadcaster and cut into 3cm chunks 3. What is the best advice you keep it COLD! and natural historian 1 large onion - sliced have ever received? David Attenborough 3 garlic cloves - sliced Never re-invent the wheel. 9. How would you change (who isn't a fan of his TV 2 red peppers - de-seeded and the MOD? documentaries?), and sliced 4. Describe yourself in Change fatigue is real and my wife Jo (I'd be in a 2 tbsp smoked paprika six words? counter-productive. Put world of trouble if I didn't 1 tsp cumin Committed, Loyal, Hard-working, a moratorium on all new include her!). 1 tsp fennel seeds Pragmatic, Tall, Skinny! change programmes until the 3 tbsp sherry vinegar ones we're currently working 13. What one piece of 400g can of cherry tomatoes or 5. What career would you on have bedded-in. music would you like chopped tomatoes have followed if you had played at your funeral? 300ml vegetable stock not pursued your current 10. What food would you Cheesy, but the Monty 2 x 400g cans of borlotti beans - profession? choose for your last supper? Python classic 'Always Look drained Vehicle Mechanic. That's what I Steak (rare) with a salad and on the Bright Side of Life'. If 200g kale, thick stalks removed. was before I commissioned into a bottle (or two!) of Porcupine that's too rude, then I'd go Chopped into shreds or the Regiment branch. Ridge (a South African Shiraz). with Elgar's Enigma Variation 3cm chunks. IX - 'Nimrod'. 6. Is there one piece of criticism 11. Who do you most Method that sticks in your mind? admire in the world? 14. How would you like to 1. Spray a large, non-stick saucepan "You're not very good at staff- ALIVE - Barack Obama (the be remembered? with low cal cooking spray and work, are you?" President America wasted); As someone who cared. place on a medium to high heat. 2. Season the pork and add to the pan and brown all over. Once browned, remove from pan and place to one side.

Wordsearch missing word: Hugh ANSWERS BREAK TIME TEA A Y R U A M A R I 3. Add the onion and garlic to the H

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26 WITTERING VIEW SPRING 2019